Kenya’s tech sector unveils video conferencing system

Kenya has recently unveiled the first made-in-Africa video conferencing system revolutionizing how users connect online. The app offers better quality calls with unlimited attendees at more affordable prices, enabling African countries to retain fees within local economies. Jay Shapiro, CEO and Co-Founder of Usiku Games, shared insights on the remarkable success of the platform. The response to the new video conferencing system has been overwhelmingly positive, with over 5,000 meeting minutes served daily and a growing user base despite the fierce competition in the market. Shapiro attributed the app's popularity to the heightened awareness of video conferencing services across the continent amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, driving people towards virtual communication to combat loneliness and isolation. Unlike international competitors, the made-in-Africa app prioritizes call quality, affordability, and community impact. Shapiro highlighted that a significant portion of the fees collected by the platform is donated to COVID-19 response efforts, resonating with users who prefer to support local initiatives over repatriating funds to foreign companies. The launch of the video conferencing system is poised to have a substantial impact on local economies as each call made on the platform supports job creation and contributes to NGOs supporting COVID-19 relief efforts. With a core focus on the consumer market, the app caters to a wide range of users, including government entities, schools, and businesses, while maintaining a fun and accessible interface for everyday consumers to connect with their loved ones. Addressing concerns around security, Shapiro emphasized the app's stringent measures, such as mandatory SMS validation for users and encrypted calls. These features aim to provide a secure environment for users, particularly appealing to government clients utilizing the platform for sensitive communications. Despite being a newcomer, the made-in-Africa app is rapidly evolving to incorporate additional features like YouTube live streaming, full call recording capabilities, screen sharing, collaborative whiteboards, and interactive multiplayer games. The continuous innovation sets the platform apart from traditional video conferencing apps, offering a unique and engaging user experience. With the remarkable success achieved within a short span of 60 days, driven by the team's relentless efforts to meet evolving user needs, the platform's future post-COVID-19 looks promising. Remote work culture is expected to surge, making video conferencing a staple in daily communications even after the pandemic, reshaping the way individuals connect and collaborate globally.